167 



Distinctions. The unspotted rump is the most constant and easily recognized specific 

 haracter. 



Distribution. Arctic and subarctic parts of the northern hemisphere. The Greenland 

 Redpoll breeds in Arctic Europe, Greenland, and perhaps adjoining America. The Hoary 

 breeds in Arctic America east to Ungava and in adjacent Asia. 



SUBSPECIES. Hornemann's Redpoll is divided in America into two subspecies; 

 a large form, the Greenland Redpoll, the type form; and the Hoary RedpoU A. h. exilipes. 

 They are most easily separated by size, the former having a wing measurement of 3-37 

 and the latter of 3. 



In general habits so nearly like the next species, which is much more 

 common, that separate discussion is unnecessary. This species is generally 

 so rare in settled districts that its identification must be made with great 

 caution. During occasional winters this species occurs in greater or less 

 numbers with large flocks of the Common Redpolls, but there is no regular- 

 ity in their visits. 



528. Redpoll Linnet, fr. — sizerin a t^te rouge. Acanthis linaria. L, 5-5-5. 

 A rather dark Redpoll with rump more or less heavily streaked and not noticeably frosted 

 with white. 



Distinctions. The streaked rump is the most easily recognizable character. 



Distribution. Northern part of northern hemisphere. The Common Redpoll breeds 

 across the northern parts of the American continent, south in the east to the gulf of St. 

 Lawrence. Holboll's breeds in America on the west Arctic islands and the Greater in 

 Greenland. 



SUBSPECIES. The species is divided into three subspecies : the Common Redpoll 

 A. I. linaria, which is commonest in fact as well as name; Holboll's Redpoll A. I. holbcdli, 

 a slightly larger form; and the Greater Redpoll A. I. rostrata, the largest of the species. 

 There are small differences visible to the eye of the e.xpert in the bills and details of 

 coloration, but size is, on the whole, the best criterion, though it should not be entirely 

 relied upon as intergrades occur. The wing of the Common Redpoll should be 2 • 9 inches, 

 Holboll's 3 • with slightly longer bill, and the Greater 3 • 5 with biU shorter and stouter, 

 However, in identifying RedpoUs it should be remembered that the Common is the only 

 one likely to be met with and no other determination should be made unless confirmed 

 by e.xpert opinion. 



With more or less regularity our winter fields and waste lands are taken 

 possession of by immense flocks of tiny sparrows, feeding on the weed tops 

 which project from the snow or perching in the low trees and bushes nearby. 

 From the throng comes a subdued but constant twitter from many little 

 throats, no one of the birds producing a song in the usual sense of the word, 

 but collectively making an undercurrent of low music that is distinctly 

 agreeable. The round, fluffy, heavily plumaged bodies, the little, rich 

 crimson cap, and the occasional flash of rosy breast and pink rump declare 

 them Redpolls. They are tame and unsuspecting little fellows and if the 

 observer conducts himself discreetly they may at times alight all about him 

 or even upon his person with as much indifference as if he were a stump or 

 some other inanimate feature of the landscape. They remain until just as 

 the spring breakup is due when they vanish until another winter. Their 

 winter wanderings are irregular and erratic. 



Economic Status. Coming in flocks of large numbers and searching 

 weed tops diligently the Redpolls should be hailed by the farmer with 

 pleasure, not only for their pretty ways but also for the evident good they 

 do in destroying weed seed. One cannot go over the ground where they 



